The Scottish Open means one thing. We are heading across the pond for some links golf. Nothing better then waking up early, and seeing golf on your TV. The Scottish Open is hosted at the Renaissance Club in Scotland. All of the big names will be here, including the defending champion, Xander Schauffele, as this is the last tune up before the Open Championship. It is a par 70, and can be stretched to just over 7,200 yards. You’ll need to be accurate this week, and hope you end up on the better draw of the weather.
Player To Fade:
Haotong Li is a widely known name on Tour, but he has really struggled this season. He has only made 2/13 cuts, and that includes missing his last 8. I look for that trend to continue this week, and him watching from home this weekend.
Dark Horse:
Ludvig Aberg. You may not know this name, but you will. The former number one amateur in the world now turned professional has burst onto the scene, and has played some really good golf. He’s made all 7 cuts, and was in contention at the John Deere. He’s a solid ball striker, and if he continues to gain strokes off the tee and approach, then I look for him to be a sneaky pick this week.
Top 10:
There’s not much to dislike about Tommy Fleetwood’s game. A great ball striker, but he has yet to breakthrough with that big win. He’s made 13/16 cuts this year, and has 5 top 10s, including two of them in his last 3 starts. Tommy has a good track record here. He was in the top 5 last year, and lost in a playoff in 2020. He is consistently gaining strokes in every category across the board this year. If this continues with a few made putts, then book Tommy to be in contention on the weekend.
Winner:
Everybody knows Rory McIlroy. The man hits the driver better than anybody on Tour. He’s got 8 top 10s this year, and his game has been trending in the right direction for months now. His last five events have seen him inside the top 10, he just hasn’t been able to finish it off. I think that changes this week. His best finish at the Scottish Open is 14th, so his history isn’t great, but the way he’s hitting it right now is too hard to overlook. His off the tee game is so good, as he’s gaining over a stroke in 2023. His driver is a weapon, and if he dials in the wedges this week, I believe he will come out on top!